There were tears of disappointment in some cases, but for most it was a time to celebrate after another hugely successful year.

This was the case at Garibaldi College in Forest Town which had secured their best ever set of results.

The school had set itself a target of a 55 percent pass rate of each pupil attaining five A*-C grades which included maths and English. They managed to land a 59.2 per cent pass rate.

Headteacher Elaine Huckerby, who leaves the school at the end of the month, said: “It’s fantastic, we’ve never had results like this.

Students celebrate their GCSE results at All Saints' Catholic School in Mansfield

“There’s been a tremendous amount of work from students, staff and parents.

“For me personally it’s brilliant because I’ll be leaving on a high!”

Amongst the students to have succeeded was Ashley Hine who said: “I did pretty well and did better than I thought I would, I got a few A*s couple of As. I’m going to go to sixth-form do my A-levels studying history, sociology and interactive media which is design work for IT. I’m looking forward to sixth form and having the freedom of choice and being treated like an adult.”

Jubilant Bryany Moody said: “I’m really happy, I got what I wanted. I got A*s in history, English language and chemistry. I’m going to the sixth-form to do chemistry, maths and further maths. I really like maths so I’m going to be happy and I hope to study it at Nottingham University too.”

At Brunts Academy it was also time for celebration with the pupils securing a 64 per cent pass rate with five A*-C grades in English and Maths, five per cent higher than their target.

Principal Janice Addison was overjoyed saying: “We are well above the targets set for us and this shows how much work has gone into this.

“We have not only have exceeded our targets again but have put us 24 per cent above the Government’s floor targets for schools. The students and staff, in partnership with parents, have worked extremely hard and their remarkable achievements are celebrated at this time.

“We have the biggest year group in Mansfield so to get this is tremendous. It’s been a superb team effort, everyone has pulled together.”

One leading pupil is Rebecca Temple who secured a staggering 11 A* grades. She intends to stay at Brunts and study biology, chemistry, maths and music at A-level.

She said: “I’m so delighted, I was pretty confident but I didn’t think I’d get this many A*s. I’m thrilled.

“I’m not sure what career path I want to take yet but I’m thinking about music or medicine, I’m keeping my options open.”

Rachel Harvey, who will return to the school’s sixth-form next month to study A-levels in physics, chemistry and further maths, said: “I’m really happy with my results I got six As and two Bs.

“I woke up this morning feeling ill but really glad about my A grades. I’m looking forward to taking A-levels!”

At All Saints’ Catholic School in Mansfield, they enjoyed a 68 per cent pass rate, with headteacher Maureen Cobbett commenting: “We are very pleased with the results.

“I am particularly delighted by the high number of A* and A grades achieved by the students, they have certainly exceeded our expectations!

“Staff, students and parents have worked tremendously hard to make All Saints’ a school where everyone can achieve their full potential.”

Meden School has secured its best ever results with (67 per cent getting five or more A* to C including English and maths, representing a sustained improvement in results from 2010 when it was at 36 per cent.

The school expects it to continue into the future and help move the school towards an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted judgement.

Headteacher David Hooker was delighted saying: “I am immensely proud of our students here at Meden School. They have worked incredibly hard to secure these outstanding results and I would like to congratulate them on behalf of myself, governors and staff.

“The time, effort and dedication that is required to pass GCSE exams should never be underestimated and to see so many of our students secure at least five A* to C is a testament to their commitment and maturity.

“I wish all our students the very best for the future and we look forward to supporting them through their A-level courses.”

At The Bolsover School, it was another record-breaking year with an 11 per cent increase the number of students achieving five or more A*-C grades.

Headteacher Ian Buxton said: “This is particularly pleasing at a time when media reports anticipate a decline in achievements. We are very proud of our students and wish them every success in whatever career path they choose to follow.”

Students at Shirebrook Academy smashed the school’s previous performance to record its best-ever marks.

The school saw 65 per cent of pupils gain five A*-C grade GCSEs, including English and Maths, 10 per cent higher than last year and an increase of 21 per cent on the year before.

Principal Julie Bloor said it was a fitting reward for months of hard work by pupils and staff alike.

She said: “GCSE results day is always an emotional time, but these fantastic results have ensured that it is a very joyous occasion.

“In a summer where we have witnessed how hard work and single-minded dedication has reaped rewards for our country’s athletes, our pupils have shown what it can do for them too. I have never worked at a school where there is so much co-operation between the teachers and pupils and where students are so willing to do everything that is asked of them.

“They have given up their own time to come in over weekends and during holidays and we are all so proud of them. It is also a proud day for Shirebrook, because these results show just how much untapped potential there is within its young people.”

It was also a record-breaking day at West Notts College, where students managed a 99.4 per cent overall pass rate, which followed on from their record A-level pass rate from last week.

Deputy principal Patricia Harman said: “To achieve record pass rates for A-levels and GCSEs in the same year is fantastic for the college.

“Most of our GCSE students are adults returning to college to get a qualification they missed out on first time around, so they can progress to further study or pursue a career goal.

“Whatever their circumstances, they can all feel justifiably proud of what they’ve achieved.

“GCSEs are crucial for going on to study at a higher level so they’re one of the most important qualifications a person can get.”